How hard Pilates works the body in people over 60

Pilates is one of the most popular forms of exercise among older adults worldwide. However, no study has measured how many calories a Pilates session burns or how hard the body works during it in people aged 60 and over. This information is important for exercise professionals who prescribe Pilates for health promotion goals such as weight management and cardiovascular fitness.

This study will measure the energy cost and metabolic intensity of two types of Pilates - mat Pilates and equipment-based Pilates - in older adults using a portable indirect calorimetry system (Cosmed K5). Results will be compared to treadmill walking at 4.8 km/h, a well-established moderate-intensity activity.

Twenty men and women aged 60 years or older with at least 6 months of continuous Pilates experience will complete three exercise sessions in a randomized order: (1) mat Pilates, (2) equipment-based Pilates, and (3) treadmill walking. Each Pilates session will consist of 9 exercises, with stretching exercises used as warm-up and cool-down and 7 strengthening exercises performed in the main portion of the session (\~50 min). Oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, heart rate, and perceived exertion will be measured throughout each session.